rip away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rip away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of forcefully removing something or taking it away, often with a sense of urgency or violence. Example: "He had to rip away the old wallpaper to reveal the beautiful wood paneling underneath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A near miss with another star could rip away the outer layers.

The New York Times - Science

"It is time to rip away the rhetoric and to divide on authentic lines......

The New Yorker

He can beat blockers off the line, rip away from them and make plays in the open field.

The New York Times

The other reason relates to the fuel filler pipe, which can rip away in a rear impact, leaking gasoline.

The New York Times

Her monologue is a direct attempt on the part of Rahimi to rip away the veil over Afghan women's lives.

The Guardian - Books

"And America can't afford for it to be a Republican, who will rip away all the progress we've made".

The Guardian

He knows how to deliver an initial punch, how to keep his arms inside his blockers arms, and how to rip away from blocks.

The New York Times

But I am not going to let him or any of the other Republicans rip away the progress that we have [made].

The Guardian

It is his duty to rip away the filth of the past, to lay the foundations for a new, better world.

The Guardian - Books

"This is an offensive attempt to rip away people's marriages," said Geoff Kors, the executive director of Equality California, a gay rights group.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

David Blond of The Blonds stated that the pave crystal bodysuit and the rip-away sequin skirt were inspired by Jessica Rabbit.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rip away", consider the context to ensure the level of force implied is appropriate. It's useful for describing sudden or violent removals, but gentler alternatives might be better in other situations.

Common error

While "rip away" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "remove" or "detach" when the forceful connotation isn't necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "rip away" primarily functions as a dynamic verb phrase indicating forceful and sudden removal or separation. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is acceptable in written English. It can describe both literal physical actions and more abstract situations involving the loss of something valuable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "rip away" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the forceful or sudden removal of something. As validated by Ludwig AI, it finds common application in contexts ranging from news reports to technical descriptions, albeit with a tendency toward neutral and slightly informal registers. Although its meaning is clear, careful consideration of tone is advised to ensure appropriate usage in different writing contexts. Alternatives such as "tear off" or "strip away" may offer more nuanced expressions depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tear off

Focuses on the action of tearing something, emphasizing the forceful separation of materials.

pull off

Implies removing something with a pulling motion, often quickly and efficiently.

snatch away

Suggests a sudden and forceful taking, often with a negative connotation of theft or unfairness.

wrest away

Indicates a struggle or effort in taking something from someone or something.

strip away

Focuses on removing layers or coverings, often to reveal something underneath.

pluck away

Suggests a gentle but firm removal, like plucking a flower or feather.

peel off

Implies removing a layer or covering that is attached, like peeling skin or tape.

extract

Indicates a careful and precise removal, often in a scientific or technical context.

detach

Focuses on the separation of something from its attachment point, often in a mechanical or technical sense.

dislodge

Suggests forcing something out of its fixed position.

FAQs

How can I use "rip away" in a sentence?

You can use "rip away" to describe the forceful removal of something, as in "The wind threatened to rip away the tent during the storm" or "The protesters tried to rip away the banner".

What are some alternatives to "rip away"?

Alternatives to "rip away" include "tear off", "pull off", or "strip away", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "rip away" and "tear away"?

"Rip away" and "tear away" are very similar, both suggesting a forceful separation. "Rip away" might imply a slightly more sudden or violent action than "tear away".

Is it appropriate to use "rip away" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "rip away" might be too informal or intense for some formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "remove", "detach", or "extract" for a more neutral tone.